Sunday, June 24, 2001
Theme parks expect many visitors
Travel costs, new coasters attract locals
By Earnest Winston
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Higher gas prices and a slow economy are unlikely to do what bad weather does alone: keep thrill-seekers out of regional theme parks.
That's because, experts say, visitors are likely to forgo longer trips in favor of destinations closer to home. Theme parks visitors travel an average of 212 miles from their homes.
So, yes, you will have to stand in line for your favorite roller coaster or waterslide.
The higher gas prices and an economic slowdown coincide with rising admission fees. The average admission price for an amusement park is at an all-time high at $40.23, a $3.20 increase from last year, according to an annual survey by the trade publication Amusement Business.
Still, amusement parks are projecting a 5 percent increase in attendance from 2000, says Susie Story, spokeswoman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in Arlington, Va.
“Because so many theme parks are in people's backyards, that bodes quite well for the industry,” Ms. Story said. “Luckily, amusement parks overall are rarely affected by economic slowdown and/or soaring gas prices.
“Overall, the industry is a robust one,” Ms. Story said . “This year, there are more than 35 roller coasters alone going into the parks around the country. That's showing that the parks are feeling confident that they're going to have a good season. Those are million dollar capital investments that they're putting in. And if they are going to put in new rides, they think people are going to come.”
Frequent rain hasn't dampened enthusiasm for Paramount's Kings Island in Mason, spokesman Jeff Siebert said.
“We're above what we expected for this time of the year. Our new rides and attractions are being very well received. We're very pleased. The theme park gods are smiling on us right now.”
The same holds true for other regional theme parks.
Six Flags in Aurora, Ohio, expects a good year, spokeswoman Kim Stover said.. “During times like this, it's normal for people to stay close to home to take their weekend jaunts or afternoon trips. Because of the nature of our park this year - the joining of Six Flags and Sea World — the interest is higher, too.” Attendance at Cedar Point in Sandusky was down in May because of rain on 13 of the first 27 days of operation, spokeswoman Janice Witherow said. “But, we are not seeing people postponing their visits to Cedar Point because of the economy or gas prices. We tend to thrive in the economy the way it is right now.”
AAA Cincinnati spokesman Michael Ziepfel said, “People aren't ... traveling as far as they may have.” Ticket sales to regional theme parks for AAA members are on the rise compared with this time last year.
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